March 04, 2008

Healthy eating and physical activity are not just good habits; they are also key to combating the onset of many chronic diseases.

March is Nutrition Month, a perfect time to remind people that overeating and obesity is threatening the health of Ontarians.  By being more physically active and maintaining a healthier body weight, people may reduce the risks of diabetes, heart disease, and prevent some types of cancer and other illnesses.

The province developed the Healthy Eating and Active Living Action Plan to support Ontarians in making healthy choices. The plan offers new programs and strategies and builds on existing ones to support healthy eating and active living in Ontario.

The four strategies of the plan are:

• Grow healthy children and youth
• Build healthy communities
• Champion healthy public policy
• Promote public awareness and engage Ontarians

QUOTES

“There’s no better way to celebrate Nutrition Month than for Ontario consumers and their families to be smart shoppers, eat healthy foods and do something active every day,” said Government and Consumer Services Minister Ted McMeekin.

“Nutrition Month is a great opportunity to involve children in both the planning and preparation of healthy meals,” said Minister of Health Promotion Margarett Best.  “It’s important that we encourage the development of healthy eating habits in our youngsters, so they continue to make healthy choices as they get older.” 

QUICK FACTS

• In 2003, almost one out of every two adults in Ontario was overweight or obese.
• Between 1981 and 1996, the number of obese children in Canada between the ages of      seven and 13 tripled
• Increases in obesity rates are contributing to a dramatic rise in illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, hypertension and some cancers. 

LEARN MORE

Read Ontario’s Healthy Eating and Active Living Action Plan.

Find advice for healthier living at HealthyOntario.com

Get information on nutrition and healthy eating at Eat Right Ontario.ca

Speak to a registered dietitian at 1-877-510-5102.

 

Backgrounder: The 2008 Smart Consumer Calendar

 

Greg Dennis, Minister’s Office, 416-327-3072
Ciaran Ganley, Communications Branch, 416-325-8659